calcium

I previously published “Homocysteine Genetics – Coenzyme B Vitamins” in which I considered in-depth how homocysteine (an intermediate chemical in the Methylation Cycle) is formed from methionine, how genetics affects the metabolic pathways, and how B vitamins are used in metabolic pathways. I also wrote “Folate Ingredients – Folinic Acid & 5-MTHF” which discussed how coenzyme folate vitamins are far superior to the synthetic folic acid form. In today’s article, I take a broader view of the topic that encompasses the Methylation Cycle, genetics, and B vitamins.

THE METHYLATION CYCLE

The Methylation Cycle is considered to be one of the most important metabolic pathways in the human body. Its most important function is to provide methyl groups via SAM (S-adenosyl methionine) to hundreds of different body substrates. Methylation is continually occurring in the body, transforming many millions of molecules throughout the body every second. Molecules receive methyl groups, then separate and recombine continuously, transforming and reforming constantly in the ongoing process of life!

As a reminder of the pathways involved in the Methylation Cycle, the following figure provides a flow chart showing the details.

Figure 1. Metabolic Pathways in Methylation Cycle

A key purpose of this cycle is to provide methyl groups (CH3) needed by a broad range of of body functions (over 200 different functions). Examples include:

Influences the genetic expression that parents give their children and helps guide the development of the embryo.

Is needed by the nervous system to produce neurotransmitters and maintain the nerves.

Mobilizes fats and cholesterol so they do not accumulate where they are harmful, such as the arteries and liver.

Helps repair damaged proteins in the cells so they can function properly.

Protects the DNA in the genome (genetic code) to reduce the chances of mutation.

Creates antioxidants used in the antioxidant defense system.

DESCRIPTION OF PATHWAYS WITHIN THE METHYLATION CYCLE

The overall flow of the Methylation Cycle begins with dietary methionine (an essential amino acid) which combines with ATP (adenosine triphosphate – body energy) to form SAM (S-adenosyl methionine) – the common cosubstrate involved in methyl group transfers, transsulfuration, and aminopropylation. When SAM transfers a methyl group to a body chemical the residue from this reaction leads to the production of homocysteine.

Homocysteine can be converted in the transsulfuration pathway that requires coenzyme vitamin B6 to produce cysteine, glutathione, taurine, and sulfates. These sulfur containing substances provide important antioxidant protection and detoxification functions in the body.

Homocysteine can be converted back to methionine through the betaine (trimethyl glycine) pathway which requires zinc and magnesium. This pathway also requires dietary betaine or choline which the body can convert into betaine.

Also, homocysteine can be converted back to methionine via the remethylation pathway which requires 5-MTHF, coenzyme vitamin B2 and methylcobalamin (B12).

GENETICS

It is important to understand that each of the pathways described above are able to be executed only in the presence of enzymes (shown in blue boxes in the diagram) created by specific genes in your genetic code. For example, Betaine-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase (BHMT) is the enzyme required in the betaine pathway, Cystathione Beta Synthase (CBS) is the enzyme required in the transsulfuration pathway, and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) and Methionine Synthase (MS) are enzymes required in the remethylation pathway.

Assuming that you have perfect genetics (no mutations, SNPs, free radical damage, insertions/deletions, etc.), the proper functioning of these pathways are still subjected to the fact that the required vitamins and minerals (vitamin B6, vitamin B2, Folate, vitamin B12, zinc, magnesium, and betaine) need to be provided by your diet or from supplements for the body to function correctly.

In addition, exposure to high levels of toxins from your environment and high levels of stress require that the nutritional needs will be even higher for the pathways to work properly. For example, exposure to high levels of toxins requires that the transsulfuration pathway be more active possibly reducing the amount of available methionine to support necessary methyl transfer reactions.

For these reasons alone the consensus of knowledgeable practitioners is that you should be eating an organic whole foods diet, taking appropriate nutritional supplements, avoiding and eliminating toxins from food, water, and air (living in a clean environment), and avoiding an unduly stressful life. All of these actions fall into the category of Epigenetics which you generally have control over!! Doing these things alone could significantly balance the functioning of your Methylation Cycle and improve your health.

Unfortunately, few people have perfect genetics which often causes the various pathways in the Methylation Cycle to become imbalanced and unable to correct the dysregulation imposed upon the body. For example, the enzyme MTHFR can have heterozygous (single chromosome) genetic variations in up to 50% of certain populations and homozygous genetic variations (both chromosomes) in 10% or more of certain populations.

Some disorders that researchers have associated with MTHFR genetic variations include:

Alzheimer’s disease

Asthma

Atherosclerosis

Autism

Bipolar disorder

Bladder issues

Blood clots

Breast problems

Chemical sensitivity

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Down syndrome

Epilepsy

Fibromyalgia

Gastric problems

Glaucoma

Heart murmurs

High blood pressure

Irritable bowel syndrome

Leukemia

Male infertility

Methotrexate toxicity

Migraines with aura

Multiple sclerosis

Myocardial infarction

Nitrous oxide toxicity

Parkinson’s disease

Pulmonary embolisms

Schizophrenia

Stroke

Thyroid issues

Unexplained neurologic disease

Vascular dementia

This extensive list is highly significant and tells us that it is very important to have genetic testing done for the genes/enzymes in the Methylation Cycle pathway. I prefer the BodySync genetic test which evaluates the key Methylation Cycle genes plus many other important genes in a single test.

B VITAMINS AND MINERALS

We are strong believers that everyone should start their nutritional program by eating a balanced, organic, whole foods diet. We have been doing this ourselves for the past 30 years. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of people follow this advice and in most cases this leads to poor nutritional status that does not adequately support the body’s needs. This is especially true with respect to obtaining the nutrients needed to support the Methylation Cycle.

Nine of our family members and associates have taken the BodySync genetic test which evaluates the condition of 45 different enzymes including CBS, MTHFR (2 variations), MTR (related to B12 and 5-MTHF as they relate to methionine synthase – MS), and MTRR (related to maintaining B12 levels needed by the MTR enzyme). In every case the results showed at least 2 and up to 4 enzymes had genetic variations. These results indicate that the nutritional requirements for folate as 5-MTHF, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, magnesium and zinc will likely be significantly greater than normal.

Given the above information, it seems essential for good health to take nutritional supplements that provide the important nutrients. Below I will discuss various formulas that I have developed and refined over many years that are useful especially for the Methylation Cycle.

MULTIVITAMINS

When looking at the total needs the body has for nutrients that the body does not produce, including fat soluble vitamins (A, D (some), E, K1 and K2), vitamin C, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate, B12, biotin, choline, and inositol), minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Cr, Mo, K, boron, and vanadium), and betaine it only seems wise to include as a top priority a Multivitamin that includes all of these in what I term therapeutic amounts (carefully selected after evaluating thousands of research studies carried out over many years.)

In this context, it is important to recognize that every enzymatic reaction in the body requires mineral cofactors in order to carry out its function. A good multivitamin provides many of these required minerals.

Additionally, the multivitamin should contain ingredient forms that research has confirmed to be the most absorbable and usable by the body. These include coenzyme B vitamins, Krebs cycle (citrate, alpha-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumarate, & malate) minerals, and amino acid chelates.

In the context of supporting the Methylation Cycle we are looking for specific forms and amounts of B vitamins that can adequately provide the body’s needs. The means that there should be coenzyme folate as 5-MTHF of at least 400 mcg, coenzyme vitamin B-12 as methylcobalamin of at least 200 mcg, Vitamin B6 (including significant amounts of pyridoxal 5′ phosphate) of at least 40 mg, and Vitamin B2 (including significant amounts of riboflavin 5′ phosphate) of at least 25 mg. In addition, magnesium (100 mg) and zinc (at least 20 mg) should be provided.

Please note that the body’s requirements for magnesium is generally accepted by nutritional experts to be higher than 400 mg daily (and as high as 1,000 mg daily). For this reason we generally recommend that a person take supplemental magnesium (such as HPDI’s MYO-MAG) at levels over 400 mg daily.

The two multivitamin formulas Health Products Distributors provides for adults that meet these requirements (and more) are the Hank & Brian’s Mighty Multi-Vite and Multi Two (in both capsule and tablet forms). Click on the bottles below for technical details.

B COMPLEX

In situations where significant genetic variations are present it may be wise to add a B COMPLEX supplement to the MULTIVITAMIN to provide even larger amounts of the needed B vitamins. HPDI provides a B-Complex-50 product that includes significant amounts of coenzyme forms and contains 50 mg of Vitamin B1, 50 mg of Vitamin B2, 100 mg of Vitamin B3, 50 mg of Vitamin B6, 500 mcg of coenzyme folate (both folinic acid and 5-MTHF), 100 mcg of B12 (both methylcobalamin and hydroxocobalmin), 50 mg of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), 500 mg of Biotin, 50 mg of choline, and 50 mg of inositol. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

FOLATE AS 5-MTHF

In situations where an inadequate diet is present and genetic testing indicates an MTHFR variation (especially a homozygous variation) Health Products Distributors provides a 5-MTHF folate supplement that easily absorbs into the body and can be directly used in combination with Vitamin B12 to convert homocysteine to methionine. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

5-MTHF 1 mg in veggie cap

B-12 as METHYLCOBALAMIN

It is often the case for older patients and vegetarians that Vitamin B12 is deficient. In these cases it is wise to supplement with a significant amount of methylcobalamin to ensure that the Methylation Cycle has sufficient to effectively convert homocysteine into methionine. Health Products Distributors Vitamin B12 contains 5 mg of methylcobalamin in sublingual lozenge form that supports excellent absorption even if swallowed and absorbed by diffusion. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

Vitamin B-12 – 5 mg Methylcobalamin sublingual lozenge.

MINERALS

Magnesium and zinc are two important minerals used in the betaine pathway of the Methylation Cycle in which homocysteine is converted back to methionine.

In the body magnesium is involved in more than 400 essential metabolic reactions and is required by the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-synthesizing protein in mitochondria. ATP, the molecule that provides energy for almost all metabolic processes, exists primarily as a complex with magnesium (MgATP). Therefore, it also is involved in converting methionine to SAM.

Over 300 different enzymes depend on zinc for their ability to catalyze vital chemical reactions. Zinc-dependent enzymes can be found in all known classes of enzymes.

Health Products Distributors provides 100 mg magnesium/vcap in its MYO-MAG supplement which is especially important in increasing ATP in the Krebs Cycle. This product also contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6 with substantial amounts of coenzyme forms and manganese. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

MYO-MAG with 100 mg magnesium per serving and key B vitamins.

Health Products Distributors provides 25 mg zinc/serving in its Double Zinc Plussupplement. This formula provides zinc in the picolinate and citrate forms as well as 3 mg of P5P (coenzyme B6). Click on the bottle below for technical details.

Double Zinc Plus supplement with P5P and 25 mg zinc

SUMMARY

The Methylation Cycle is recognized as one of the most important metabolic pathways in the human body. When not properly supported by key B vitamins and minerals, the Methylation Cycle can become severely imbalanced which can lead to a very wide range of poor health conditions. Furthermore, genetic variations in the genes that produce important enzymes allowing the Methylation Cycle to function correctly lead to even further imbalances and greater possibility for conditions of poor health.

In this article, I have provided insight into how the Methylation Cycle works and how it can be significantly supported by lifestyle changes regarding diet and environment (Epigenetics) and by specific B vitamins and mineral supplements that I have developed over many years. In addition, we have shown that knowledge gained from genetic testing can further provide a critical understanding of your specific needs so that your health can be optimized.

Dr. Andrew Saul, editor of the Orthomolecular News Service (OMNS), recently wrote a satirical commentary “How to Bash Vitamins with a Meta-Analysis.” This satire takes the form of a memorandum from the world headquarters of pharmaceutical politicians, educators, and reporters (WHOPPER).

The specific vitamin-bashing meta-analysis which prompted Dr. Saul’s satire is titled “Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals for CVD Prevention and Treatment” and published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The meta-analysis finds nutritional supplements useless, or with negligible benefit, and even dangerous. These conclusions would be laughable except that it is presented to the public as based on sound science. It is not.

Of note is the fact that the meta-analysis relies on studies using low-dose supplementation, as well as studies using synthetic forms of vitamins and not natural coenzyme forms. For example, folic acid instead of natural folates.

Meta-analyses such as this one are tired, trite, and re-cycled every few years, as if somehow they are “news.” Moreover, the meta-analysis discloses significant conflicts of interest, which not only is disturbing, but also indicates a bias against supplements that makes its false conclusions even less trustworthy.

We re-publish Dr. Saul’s satirical commentary in full below. It is important to put truth distorting meta-analyses like this one in their place on the spectrum of truth. In the case of this meta-analysis, it is literally off the chart. (Pun intended.) ~

How to Bash Vitamins with a Meta-Analysis

A Confidential Memorandum from the World Headquarters of Pharmaceutical Politicians, Educators and Reporters (WHOPPER)

Satire by Andrew W. Saul, Editor

TOP SECRET: Do Not Let This Get on the Internet! No Leaks!

Distinguished members, our decades of disparaging nutritional therapy have paid off at last. The public, and their healthcare providers, are completely hoodwinked. By pushing “evidence based medicine” on the medical professions, we have elegantly slipped in our choice of evidence to base medicine on. And this is no mere journeyman accomplishment: this is high art. Mr. Machiavelli would be pleased. Certainly the pharmaceutical cartel is. We are well on our way to eliminating the competition, namely that increasingly irritating “orthomolecular medicine” faction.

Here’s how we are winning the Vitamin War: It is entirely too obvious, from our reading the nutritional literature, that vitamins and minerals are a well-proven, safe and effective therapy. Of course, anyone knows that to work they must be employed in appropriate doses, just as any drug must be given in an appropriate dose. That is the problem, but it is also our opportunity. Since high nutrient doses work all too well, we eliminate all those embarrassing positive high-dose studies simply by ignoring them. By selecting, pooling and analyzing only unsuccessful low dose studies, our conclusions exactly fit what we want the public to believe.

We have established that research data can easily be cherry-picked and meta-analyzed to further our agenda. And, of course, the huge amount of cash we spend on advertising assures that both the medical journals and the mass media will limit discussion to what we approve of. It is now a mere step to do the same in other disciplines, including education, politics, and the social sciences. For example:

Using data only from poorly funded urban schools, we can prove mathematically, by statistical analysis of grade-point-averages, that inner-city kids have no academic future.

By collecting data as to how many 19th century women graduated from college, we can show that women then were not as qualified to vote as men are today, and overturn the 19th amendment.

If we assemble data on screen time and analyze actors’ roles from Hollywood movies made in the 1920s and 1930s, we can demonstrate that some races are best qualified to be domestic workers, tap dancers or to operate laundries.

By giving a large sample of the homeless 25 cents each, we can show that higher personal income is ineffective against poverty.

If we tabulate inventory at Ferrari dealerships exclusively, we can prove Hondas are scarce.

Repeatedly taking the temperature of thousands of cadavers is justification that funeral homes do not need central heating, at least not at night.

Here is unlimited opportunity for social engineering. It logically proceeds from our widely publicized analyses of vitamin supplementation, analyses that were (of course!) limited to studies that used low doses. Political mathematics is a wonderful thing: select your data and meta-analyze it into truth.

Don’t worry: the public will accept it. After all, we just did a meta-analysis of the words of Abraham Lincoln. What he REALLY meant to say is that you can fool all of the people all of the time.

We shall continue to act accordingly.

(End of memo)

The above satirical commentary is in reply to yet another vitamin-bashing report. This particular one is Supplemental vitamins and minerals for CVD prevention and treatment. J Amer Col Cardiology 2018, 71:22.

The Orthomolecular Medicine News Service strongly disagrees with allegations that supplements are basically useless or even harmful.

Dr. Michael Ellis (Australia) says:

“There are hundreds of papers in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and other journals which support the use of orthomolecular medicine to prevent and cure chronic disease. The paper discussed here does not take into account dosages of vitamins and bioavailability. The meta analyses are therefore biased and not accurate.”

Dr. Damien Downing (United Kingdom) says:

“This should be a rule: never trust a study with more metadata than data. This study is a review of reviews – a meta-meta-analysis. Selecting multiple studies introduces another level of judgment, with new potential for bias. Just as peer reviewers can introduce their own bias, so can review authors; some evidence indicates that reviewers bias selection significantly in favor of their own final conclusions.”

The financial interests of the study’s authors makes VERY interesting reading. To see this truly enormous list, you have to scroll way, way down at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109718345601 Interestingly, if you download the paper, you do not get the conflict of interest section with it. You have to see it online to get the whole story. How about that.

Comments and media contact: drsaul@doctoryourself.com OMNS welcomes but is unable to respond to individual reader emails. Reader comments become the property of OMNS and may or may not be used for publication.

Today HPDI launches a new product: pH Adjust. The new formula wascreated by Dr. Hank Liers, PhD. As its name implies, its primary application is to help balance pH levels in the body. That is, to support the creation of alkaline conditions — or alkalinization.

Because pH Adjust alkalinizes the body, it thereby may effectively counteract overly acidic conditions (acidosis), including acidic conditions in the digestive tract, blood, kidneys, and other organ systems.

Our newest product pH ADJUST

Given the fact that acidosis—including chronic, low-grade acidosis—is common among individuals living in industrialized nations consuming high-levels of processed foods and other acid-forming foods, pH Adjust represents a simple, yet powerful means for achieving a healthy acid-base balance in the body.

HPDI specializes in the formulation of nutritional supplements, including vitamin formulas such as multivitamins and other foundational supplements, advanced antioxidant formulas, high-RNA superfoods, and various mineral products, including magnesium. pH Adjust may be considered a mineral product. Yet, it is different than any other HPDI formula.

That is, pH Adjust is not primarily formulated to provide nutrients to meet nutritional needs. Rather, the formula supports optimal health by facilitating improved acid-alkaline balance in the body. It may be used to effectively neutralize acidic conditions, and help counteract the tendency toward acidosis that persists among many individuals.

THE IMPORTANCE OF pH BALANCE

Health experts know that pH balance is extremely important, and that acidosis in the body contributes to various states of less than optimal health. It is known that acidic conditions can lead to adverse effects in many bodily systems, including the circulatory system, immune system, skeletal system, excretory system, muscular system, and reproductive system.

Chemically, pH stands for hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale runs from 7 to 14, and pH 7 is considered neutral. A pH value of less than 7 is considered acidic whereas a pH value of greater than 7 is considered basic or alkaline. In the body, the ideal pH is somewhat alkaline: 7.30 to 7.5.

For therapeutic purposes, individuals can for short periods of time (from a few days to a couple weeks) raise their pH levels to 8.0. That is, short-term increases in pH (to 8.0) can be useful for rapidly changing conditions in the body from acidic to basic (alkaline).

DIET AND pH (ACID-BASE) BALANCE

Herman Aihara (author of Acid & Alkaline) and others have contributed to our understanding of acid and alkaline states in the body, and the roles played by foods in creating either conditions of acidity or alkalinity. In general, protein foods are “acid-forming” foods whereas most vegetables are “alkaline-forming” foods. A table of acid and alkaline forming foods are on our website at Effect of Food on Body Chemistry.

Thus, proteins (containing more nitrogen) tend to form acids in the body whether or not they themselves are acid, and vegetables (containing more potassium) tend for form bases in the body whether or not they themselves are basic. This fact supports the importance of vegetables in the diet not only for nutrients, but also as a means for ensuring acid-base balance.

An excellent food that provides a high potassium content is Dr. Hank’s Vegetable Soup. This soup tastes great and can help to keep a healthy acid-base balance in the body.

An excellent article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1998 looked at the key factors that determine acid-base balance in the body. Their conclusion was: “In summary, the results of this study indicate that in normal humans eating ordinary whole-food diets, the major determinants of differences in NEAP rate (net endogenous acid production) among subjects are differences in the protein and potassium content of the diet and that the absolute rate of net endogenous acid production for a given diet can be predicted simply from knowledge of the diet’s protein and potassium content.”

Potassium-containing foods provide the body with potassium that it can use to create alkaline conditions. Sodium can also support alkaline conditions in the body. In fact, potassium and sodium work together in the sodium-potassium pump that pumps sodium ions out of cells and potassium ions into cells using ATP, and that performs many essential functions, including nutrient transport, cell-volume regulation, and nerve conduction.

Danish chemist Jens Christian Skou shared the 1997 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for having discovered this pump, i.e., the ion-transporting enzyme, Na+, K+ -ATPase in 1957 while at the University of Aarhus in Denmark.

It is notable that most individuals in Western societies obtain more than sufficient sodium and often less than sufficient potassium. Excessive sodium intake is associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular health.

In an interview with Dr. Richard Passwater in 2001, Dr. Richard Moore said: “When I looked at all the published data for both potassium and sodium in the diet—or in the urine which reflects the diet-and then looked at the incidence of hypertension, I could see that, as the K Factor (ratio of potassium to sodium in the diet) got above one or two, there was significantly less hypertension (high blood pressure). Actually a diet with a K Factor of three or above is not bad, but, for practical purposes, I think a K Factor above four is a better goal. Of course, even higher than that would be better in terms of general health. I say this based upon the fact that our ancestors had a K Factor of about 16 to 1 and we evolved having a K Factor something like that.”

Based upon this information, we have chosen a 3:1 ratio of potassium to sodium in the pH Adjust formula so that it consistent with a heart-healthy diet.

MEASURING pH LEVELS

The best way to measure pH levels is to use litmus paper. HPDI offers litmus paper in rolls (Hydrion brand) for this purpose providing about 100 tests per roll. You can test salivary or urinary pH. In order to test salivary pH, simply use a small strip of pH paper to dip into a small amount of saliva. Advantages of pH paper include rapid results, ease of use, and cost effectiveness.

Using pH paper is a fast, easy means to measure pH accurately

The color of the litmus paper indicates the pH level in saliva. Most litmus paper comes with an indicator chart showing colors corresponding to various pH levels. Alkaline states will generally produce a dark green, blue or purple color (most basic). Acidic states will range from yellow (most acidic) to light green.

Salivary pH and urinary pH are significantly affected by recent food consumption and other factors, so it it best to test pH hours after meals. We prefer to measure urinary pH since results are more consistent. Measuring urinary pH is a simple as placing a few drops of urine on the paper or dipping the paper into a sample cup.

It is best to measure your pH in the morning before consuming foods or drinks. Salivary and urinary pH are affected by recent food consumption, so re-test several hours after eating, and additionally throughout the day.

A consistent pH measurement of less than 7.0 indicates that you are too acidic (values less than 6.2 show extreme acidity). This indicates that you should consume more alkaline forming foods and/or take pH Adjust. A single dose of pH Adjust can change conditions in the body from acidic to alkaline within a few hours.

MINERALS: POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, AND SODIUM

As we mentioned, pH Adjust is not primarily formulated to provide minerals or other essential nutrients. HPDI has other products (like multivitamins and single-nutrient formulas) for that purpose.

However, pH Adjustis a mineral providing formula. That is, it provides potassium (in the forms of bicarbonate and glycinate), magnesium (in the form of carbonate), and sodium (in the form of bicarbonate).

And while the levels of potassium (141.6 mg or 4% daily value) and sodium (47.8 mg or 2% daily value) per dose of pH Adjust are relatively small, the level of magnesium is significant (105 mg or 26.3% daily value).

Moreover, the levels of these minerals in pH Adjust are balanced, so that sufficient potassium is obtained relative to sodium, and that sodium remains low in the formula (for reasons previously considered).

Note that the amounts of minerals listed (above) are obtained per dose, so additional doses will correspondingly increase the amounts of minerals. However, multiple doses should not significantly increase sodium levels. For example, more sodium may be obtained from a single salty snack than one or two doses of pH Adjust.

Supplements Facts table from pH Adjust product label.

DOSE INFORMATION

One dose is 1/4 teaspoon. For extremely acidic conditions, you can take 4–10 doses per day, depending on the level of acidity and using pH paper as a guide to ensure that pH levels remain balanced. That is, the goal is to balance pH and to not become too alkaline (a condition of alkalosis may occur above pH 8.2).

INFORMATION FROM THE PRODUCT PAGE (INTEGRATEDHEALTH.COM)

pHADJUST may be used to increase salivary and urinary pH; counteract overly acidic conditions in the digestive tract, blood, and kidneys; and to supplement the body with the minerals potassium, magnesium, and sodium. The product contains (in powder form) potassium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, potassium glycinate, and sodium bicarbonate. Each serving (about ¼ tsp) contains about 300 mg of bicarbonate, 260 mg of carbonate, 142 mg of potassium, 105 mg of magnesium, 48 mg of sodium, and 100 mg of glycine.

NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

The minerals potassium, sodium, and magnesium are key substances that are involved in many important functions in the body. When combined in bicarbonates (potassium & sodium), carbonates (magnesium), and glycinate (potassium) these chemicals can help to adjust and balance pH that are crucial to body function.

The processed food diets with a high protein content consumed by many people in the US and elsewhere produce conditions in the body of acidity. This in turn leads to decreased oxygenation of our cells and a greater use of anaerobic processes in metabolism. This, in turn, leads in inadequate ATP (energy) production and the presence of unwelcome anaerobic cells and organisms.

BICARBONATE

Bicarbonate is a major element in our body. Secreted by the stomach, it is necessary for digestion. When ingested, for example, with mineral water, it helps buffer lactic acid generated during exercise and additionally reduces the acidity of dietary components. Additionally, it has a prevention effect on dental cavities. Each ¼ tsp of pH ADJUST contains about 300 mg of bicarbonate.

Bicarbonate is present in all body fluids and organs and plays a major role in the acid-base balances in the human body. The first organ where food, beverages and water stay in our body is the stomach. The mucus membrane of the human stomach has 30 million glands which produce gastric juice containing not only acids, but also bicarbonate.

The flow of bicarbonate in the stomach amounts from 24.4 mg/hr for a basal output to 73.2 mg/hr for a maximal output. Thus at least 500 mg of bicarbonate is secreted daily in our stomach. This rate of gastric bicarbonate secretion is 2-10% of the maximum rate of acid secretion. In the stomach, bicarbonate participates in a mucus-bicarbonate barrier regarded as the first line of the protective and repair mechanisms. On neutralization by acid, carbon dioxide is produced from bicarbonate.

Effects of ingested bicarbonate: For digestion, bicarbonate is naturally produced by the gastric membrane in the stomach. This production will be low in alkaline conditions and will rise in response to acidity. In healthy individuals this adaptive mechanism will control the pH perfectly. To modify this pH with exogenous doses of bicarbonate, some clinical experiments have been conducted with sodium bicarbonate loads as high as 6 g. Only a transient effect on pH has been obtained. It is quite possible that bicarbonate in water may play a buffering role in the case of people sensitive to gastric acidity. Thus bicarbonate may be helpful for digestion.

The most important effect of bicarbonate ingestion is the change in acid-base balance as well as blood pH and bicarbonate concentration in biological fluids. It has been studied particularly in physically active people. Among the types of acid produced, lactic acid generated during exercise is buffered by bicarbonate. In a study on sports, a dose of 0.3 g per kg of body weight of sodium bicarbonate was given (15.25 g bicarbonate for a man of 70 kg) to subjects before performing 30 minutes cycling. While blood pH was increased and then maintained constant with this bicarbonate load due to the changes in blood bicarbonate concentrations, increased acidity and decreased bicarbonate blood concentration were observed in controlled subjects.

Prevention of renal stones: Bicarbonate also reduces the acidity of dietary components such as proteins. As an example, adding sodium or potassium bicarbonate to subjects on a high protein diet known to acidify urine and leading to hypercalciuria (high level of calcium in urine) has been shown to greatly reduce calcium urinary excretion. The effect has been observed with 5.5 g of bicarbonate supplement received daily for two weeks. A recent study highlights that a bicarbonate-rich mineral water could be useful in the prevention of the recurrence of calcium oxalate and uric acid renal stones.

Controls water absorption: many oral hydration solutions contain bicarbonate showing the usefulness of bicarbonate to control water absorption in patients at risk of dehydration.

Maintains blood pressure: Sodium intake is restricted in patients with hypertension, but it is demonstrated that the accompanying anion, such as bicarbonate, plays an important role. It is now well established that sodium bicarbonate does not raise blood pressure to the same extent as do the corresponding amounts of sodium chloride.

Decreases dental plaque: Bicarbonate has been shown to decrease dental plaque acidity induced by sucrose and its buffering capacity is important to prevent dental cavities. Other studies have shown that bicarbonate inhibits plaque formation on teeth and, in addition, increases calcium uptake by dental enamel.

CARBONATE

pH ADJUST contains about 260 mg of carbonate (and 105 mg of Mg) in the form of magnesium carbonate. Magnesium carbonate is used as an antacid that gets converted to Magnesium Chloride (MgCl) and CO2 by stomach acid. MgCl is a well absorbed form of magnesium.

MINERALS

The functions of the key minerals in pH ADJUST are described below. Each serving (about ¼ tsp) of pH ADJUST contains 142 mg of potassium, 105 mg of magnesium, and 48 mg of sodium.

POTASSIUM BENEFITS

Resting cellular-membrane potential and the propagation of action potentials in neuronal, muscular, and cardiac tissue. Due to the electrostatic and chemical properties, K+ions are larger than Na+ions, and ion channels and pumps in cell membranes can differentiate between the two ions, actively pumping or passively passing one of the two ions while blocking the other.

Supports hormone secretion and action

Improves vascular tone

Regulates systemic blood pressure

Increases gastrointestinal motility

Required for acid–base homeostasis

Supports glucose and insulin metabolism

Plays role in mineralocorticoid action

Supports renal concentrating ability

Regulates fluid and electrolyte balance

MAGNESIUM BENEFITS

Magnesium levels influence many physiological processes and functions. These include:

Increases energy by greater production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in cells

Supports production and function of over 300 enzyme systems in the body

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement, take ¼ tsp in 4–8 ounces of purified water preferably away from food, or as directed by a health care professional.

For extremely acidic conditions (pH consistently less than 6.2), try 4–10 doses per day, depending on acidity level. you may take multiple 1/4 tsp doses at once—we ourselves often take 1 tsp in a single dose. Use pH paper to ensure pH levels remain balanced, and do not become too alkaline (alkalosis may occur above pH 8.2).

The recently published annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers indicates no deaths from dietary supplements in 2013. The annual report was published in the journal Clinical Toxicology and was based on information collected by the US National Poison Data System (NPDS).

The report also indicated no deaths from any amino acid product or herbal product.

No deaths were caused by any dietary supplement in 2013 according to US NPDS data.

The full text of the January 16, 2015 press release obtained from the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (OMNS) follows. ~

No Deaths from ANY Dietary Supplement

by Andrew W. Saul, Editor

(OMNS Jan 16, 2015) There was not even one death caused by any dietary supplement in 2013, according to the most recent information collected by the US National Poison Data System. The new 251-page annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, published in the journal Clinical Toxicology (1), shows no deaths whatsoever from any dietary supplement.

Additionally, there were zero deaths from any amino acid or herbal product. This means no deaths at all from blue cohosh, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, kava kava, St. John’s wort, valerian, yohimbe, Asian medicines, ayurvedic medicines, or any other botanical. There were zero deaths from creatine, blue-green algae, glucosamine, chondroitin, melatonin, or any homeopathic remedy.

Furthermore, there were zero deaths from any dietary mineral supplement. This means there were no fatalities from calcium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, colloidal silver, selenium, iron, or multimineral supplements. Reported in the “Electrolyte and Mineral” category were two fatalities from the medical use of “Sodium and sodium salts.” These are not dietary supplements.

The US National Poison Data System is “the only comprehensive, near real-time, poisoning surveillance database in the United States. In 2013, poison professionals at the nation’s 55 poison centers managed about 2.2 million human poison exposures, with children younger than 6 accounting for about half of all poison exposure cases.”

No man, woman or child died from any nutritional supplement. Period.

If nutritional supplements are allegedly so “dangerous,” as the FDA, the news media, and even some physicians still claim, then where are the bodies?

Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D. (USA), Editor and contact person. Email: omns@orthomolecular.org. This is a comments-only address; OMNS is unable to respond to individual reader emails. However, readers are encouraged to write in with their viewpoints. Reader comments become the property of OMNS and may or may not be used for publication.